Control apparatus for use with a computer or video game system

ABSTRACT

A control device for controlling a display of a computer system for use with a video game includes a coordinate control unit for providing information related to a vertical and horizontal tilt of the control device, a mouse control unit for inputting conventional mouse input information, a game control unit for inputting game control information and a controller for processing the information provided by the coordinate control unit, mouse control unit and game control unit. The vertical and horizontal point of view of the user in the video game and/or the vertical and horizontal position of a cursor on the display is determined based on the information related to the vertical and horizontal tilt of the control device. The control device is preferably shaped like a firearm to enhance the realism of the video game, but may be shaped like a conventional game pad.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application is related to a control device for use with acomputer system. More specifically, the invention relates to a controldevice for controlling a display of the computer system based on thehorizontal and vertical tilt of the control device for use with a videogame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As computers have become a part of every day life, video games playableon computers have similarly become a very popular means ofentertainment. While software and computer graphics innovations havemade video games very realistic, most video games rely on morecontemporary input devices such as a keyboard, computer mouse orjoystick to allow a player to interact with the video game. While thesetraditional input devices are familiar to most users and easy tooperate, they tend to take away from the realism of the video game.

Furthermore, the improvements that have been made to video games haveadded many options and features that were simply not availablepreviously. As a result, these traditional control devices lack thefunctionality to provide for the control of these additional functionsand features. Users typically must use multiple control devices withinthe same game to allow for control of all features. For example, it isquite common for users to utilize a computer mouse along with extensiveuse of the keyboard to input commands and perform actions in the videogame because the computer mouse alone simply lacks sufficientfunctionality for today's video games. The use of multiple input devicescomplicates the playing of these video games to the point where the usermust spend a significant amount of time simply familiarizing himselfwith the control devices prior to even attempting to proceed withplaying the game. Naturally, this robs the user of both a sense ofreality while playing the game and takes away from the user's enjoyment.

The computer mouse allows a user to position a cursor on a display of acomputer system by moving the mouse along a flat surface. A mouse ballin the base of the mouse rotates as the mouse is moved. The rotation ofthe mouse ball is correlated to movement of the cursor on the screen.More recently, trackballs have been introduced to allow a user toposition a cursor on the display of the computer system by manuallyrotating the track ball. The rotation of the track ball is similarlycorrelated to the positioning of the cursor on the display. However, themouse requires a large, flat and substantially smooth two dimensionalsurface over which the mouse moves and thus, the user is somewhatrestricted in where he or she can use the mouse while still maintaininggood control over positioning of the cursor. While trackballs eliminatethe need for a large flat surface, they are typically mounted on thekeyboard or some other computer system component, which tends to limitwhere the user can utilize the trackball as well. In addition, as notedabove, both the computer mouse and trackball lack the functionalityrequired to utilize the additional features and options available inadvanced video games, thus necessitating the use of additional controlor input devices and complicating video game play.

Joysticks may provide a more realistic effect for certain video games.For example, joysticks are similar in design to control sticks used inaircraft, and therefore, tend to add to the realism in a flightsimulation video game. However, many do not add to realism in many othervideo games. While some joysticks may include additional control inputs,and thus, provide for increased functionality, even these joysticks donot provide sufficient functionality to satisfy the requirements ofadvanced video games and typically require the contemporaneous use ofthe keyboard.

Control devices that can be manipulated in free space to control adisplay of the computer system have been developed to free users fromsome of the restrictions of traditional control devices. Some controldevices utilize sonic positioning. Typically, an ultrasonic transmitterin the device is monitored by an array of sensors. The position of thecursor on the screen is correlated to the position of the ultrasonictransmitter in the device relative to the array of sensors. Thus, thesedevices are limited in that they rely on an array of receivers and haverange limits. In addition, they these control devices also lackfunctionality sufficient to play today's advanced video games.

More recently, gyroscopes have been incorporated into control devices inorder to allow users to manipulate control devices in free space andposition the cursor on the display by pointing the device at the desiredposition on the display (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,350 toCase, Jr. et al.). Gyroscopes have long been used in aircraft to provideinertial space reference and to measure pitch and roll relative to thegravitational vector. In control devices utilizing gyroscopes, motion ofthe device in free space is typically translated into motion of thecursor on the display. More specifically, the vertical and horizontaltilt of the control device is translated into the desired position of acursor on the display of the computer system. These devices typicallyinclude a computer mouse function as well and may be connected to thecomputer system in a manner substantially similar to that of aconventional computer mouse. While these devices allow a user morefreedom in using the device, these devices do not make a video gameexperience any more realistic, as they tend to be substantially similarin size and shape to the traditional computer mouse and thus offerlittle realism. Further, these devices function in a manner similar tothe computer mouse and thus have similar limited functionality whichmeans they are insufficient to control the additional options andfeatures of today's advanced video games.

In addition, light guns have been developed for use with video games.These devices typically are shaped like a fire arm and project a beam oflight. A screen placed over the display of the computer system sensesthis beam of light and is used to indicate a location on the display atwhich the user is aiming. These devices do provide some more realism,however, they are only useful for targeting in the video game. Inaddition, the user must point the light gun at the display in order touse it, which limits where the user can play the video game.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a control device for a computersystem that is more realistic in shape and more intuitive in operationwhile also providing increased functionality for use with today's videogames.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A control device for controlling a display of a computer system for usewith a video game includes a coordinate control unit adapted to inputinformation related to a vertical and a horizontal tilt of the controldevice, a mouse control unit adapted to input computer mouse inputinformation, a game play control unit adapted to input game playinformation and a controller adapted to process input information fromthe coordinate control unit, mouse control unit and game play controlunit to provide game information to the computer system.

The control device may have a shape substantially similar to a firearmincluding a central body, a handgrip extending downward from a rearsection of the central body, a barrel extending longitudinally forwardfrom the central body and a trigger extending downward from the centralbody in front of the handgrip.

The coordinate control unit may include a y-axis sensor adapted to inputinformation regarding a tilt of the barrel of the control device in avertical direction and an x-axis sensor adapted to input informationregarding a tilt of the barrel of the control device in a horizontaldirection. The y-axis sensor may include a horizontal shaft attached toa side of the barrel that rotates as the barrel is tilted upward anddownward, a first optical disk attached to the horizontal shaft suchthat the optical disk rotates with the horizontal shaft and at least oneoptical encoder adapted to correlate rotation of the optical disk tovertical tilt of the barrel to provide information indicating a desiredvertical point of view of a user in the video game or a desired verticalposition of a cursor on the display. The x-axis sensor may include avertical shaft connected to the y-axis sensor such that the verticalshaft rotates as the barrel is tilted left and right, a second opticalencoder disk attached to the vertical shaft such that the second opticaldisk rotates with the vertical shaft and at least one second opticalencoder adapted to correlate the rotation of the second optical disk toa horizontal tilt of the barrel to provide information indicating adesired horizontal point of view of a user in the video game.

The coordinate control unit may include at least one gyroscope adaptedto provide information regarding the vertical and horizontal tilt of thecontrol device in order to provide information regarding a desiredvertical and horizontal point of view of the user in the video game or adesired vertical and horizontal position of the cursor on the display.

The mouse control unit may include a mouse wheel adapted to provideinformation to scroll LIP or down on the display, a left mouse buttonadapted to provide information regarding selections of a user and aright mouse button adapted to provide information regarding otherselections of a user. The mouse wheel, the left mouse button and theright mouse button may be mounted on a side of the central body of thecontrol device such that positioning a finger of a user proximate to thetrigger operates the mouse wheel, left mouse button and right mousebutton.

The game play control unit may include a directional controller adaptedto input information regarding longitudinal and lateral movement inspace, a plurality of buttons adapted to provide information regarding aplurality of actions performed on the display, the plurality of actionsincluding running, crouching, jumping and selecting weapons and acoordinate activation button adapted to enable input of information fromthe coordinate control unit while depressed. The plurality of controlsmay be positioned on the hand grip of the control device such that thegame play controls are operable by a thumb of the user gripping the handgrip.

A fore grip may extend down from the barrel of the weapon and thedirectional controller may be positioned on the fore grip and operableby a thumb and fingers of a second hand of the user gripping the foregrip. The directional controller may be positioned on the barrel of thecontrol device.

The game play control unit may include a shoot button mounted on thetrigger of the control device.

The control device may also include a removable shoulder stock extendingbehind the central body of the control device and adapted to steady thecontrol device against a shoulder of the user.

The control device may include a display unit mounted on the controldevice to provide additional image information to a user of the controldevice and may include a feedback unit adapted to provide tactilefeedback to a user of the control device.

A method for positioning a cursor on a display of a computer systemincludes receiving information from a coordinate control unit related toa vertical and a horizontal tilt of a control device, receiving computermouse input information from a mouse control unit, receiving informationfrom a game play control unit and providing game information based oninformation received from the coordinate control unit, mouse controlunit and game play control unit.

The control unit may have a shape substantially similar to a firearmincluding a central body, a handgrip extending downward from a rearsection of the central body, a barrel extending longitudinally forwardfrom the central body and a trigger extending downward from the centralbody in front of the handgrip.

The step of receiving information related to the vertical and horizontaltilt of the control device may include receiving information regarding atilt of the barrel relative to a centered vertical position of thecontrol device from a y-axis sensor and receiving information regardinga tilt of the barrel relative to a centered horizontal position from anx-axis sensor. The step of receiving information from the y-axis sensormay include attaching a horizontal shaft to a side of the barrel thatrotates as the barrel is tilted upward and downward, connecting a firstoptical disk attached to the horizontal shaft such that the optical diskrotates with the horizontal shaft and providing at least one opticalencoder adapted to correlate rotation of the optical disk to verticaltilt of the barrel to provide information indicating a desired verticalpoint of view of a user in the video game.

The step of receiving information from the x-axis sensor may includeconnecting a vertical shaft to the y-axis sensor such that the verticalshaft rotates as the barrel is tilted left and right, connecting asecond optical encoder disk attached to the vertical shaft such that thesecond optical disk rotates with the vertical shaft and providing atleast one second optical encoder adapted to correlate the rotation ofthe second optical disk to a horizontal tilt of the barrel to provideinformation indicating a desired horizontal point of view of a user inthe video game.

The step of receiving information from the coordinate control unit mayinclude attaching at least one gyroscope to the control device andreceiving information regarding the vertical and horizontal tilt of thecontrol device from the gyroscope in order to provide informationregarding the desired vertical and horizontal point of view of a user inthe video game.

The step of receiving mouse control information may include receivinginformation related to scrolling Up and down on the display, receivinginformation regarding selections of a user from a left mouse button andreceiving information regarding other selections of a user from a rightmouse button. The mouse wheel, the left mouse button and the right mousebutton may be mounted on a side of the central body of the controldevice such that positioning a finger of a user proximate to the triggeroperates the mouse wheel, left mouse button and right mouse button.

The step of receiving information from a game play control unit mayinclude receiving input information regarding longitudinal and lateralmovement of a character on the display in space from a direction controlunit, receiving information regarding a plurality of actions performedby the character on the display, from a plurality of controls andreceiving activation information from a coordinate activation button toenable input of information from the coordinate control unit. Thecontrols may be positioned on the hand grip of the control device suchthat the controls are operable by a thumb of the user gripping thehandgrip. The direction control unit may also be positioned on a foregrip, extending down from the barrel of the weapon and operable by athumb and fingers of a second hand of the user gripping the fore grip.The plurality of controls may include a shoot button mounted on thetrigger of the control device.

The control device further may include a removable shoulder stockextending behind the central body of the control device and adapted tosteady the control device against a shoulder of the use.

The method may include receiving additional image information to bedisplayed to a user via a display unit and/or receiving feedbackinformation for providing tactile feedback to a user via a feedbackunit.

A control device according to an embodiment of the present applicationfor controlling a display of a computer system for use with a video gamemay include a coordinate control unit adapted to input informationrelated to a vertical and a horizontal tilt of the control, a mousecontrol unit adapted to input computer mouse input information, a gameplay control unit adapted to input game play information and acontroller adapted to process input information from the coordinatecontrol unit, mouse control unit and game play control unit to providegame information to the computer system. The control device may besubstantially u-shaped including a first open end, a second open end,and a connected end connecting the first open end and the second openend.

The coordinate control unit may include a y-axis sensor adapted to inputinformation regarding a tilt of the control device in a verticaldirection and an x-axis sensor adapted to input information regarding atilt of the control device in a horizontal direction. The y-axis sensormay include a horizontal shaft attached to a side of the control devicethat rotates as the control device is tilted upward and downward, afirst optical disk attached to the horizontal shaft such that theoptical disk rotates with the horizontal shaft and at least one opticalencoder adapted to correlate rotation of the optical disk to verticaltilt of the control device to provide information indicating a desiredvertical point of view of a user in the video game. The x-axis sensormay include a vertical shaft connected to the y-axis sensor such thatthe vertical shaft rotates as the control device is tilted left andright, a second optical encoder disk attached to the vertical shaft suchthat the second optical disk rotates with the vertical shaft and atleast one second optical encoder adapted to correlate the rotation ofthe second optical disk to a horizontal tilt of the control device toprovide information indicating a desired horizontal point of view of auser in the video game.

The y-axis sensor and the x-axis sensor may be positioned in asubstantially u-shaped base Such that the y-axis sensor detects rotationof a connecting member extending vertically from the base to the controldevice forward and backward to determine the vertical tilt of thecontrol device and the x-axis sensor detects rotation of the connectingmember left and right to determine the horizontal tilt of the controldevice.

The coordinate control unit may include at least one gyroscope adaptedto provide information regarding the vertical and horizontal tilt of thecontrol device in order to provide information regarding a desiredvertical and horizontal point of view of a user in the video game.

The mouse control unit may include a mouse wheel adapted to provideinformation to scroll up or down on the display, a left mouse buttonadapted to provide information regarding selections of a user and aright mouse button adapted to provide information regarding otherselections of a user. The mouse wheel, the left mouse button and theright mouse button may be mounted in a substantially centered positionon a top surface of the connected end of the control device. The mousewheel, the left mouse button and the right mouse button may be mountedin an off centered position on a top surface of the connected end of thecontrol device.

The game play control unit may include a directional controller adaptedto input information regarding longitudinal and lateral movement inspace positioned on the left side of the top surface of the connectedend such that the directional controller is easily manipulated by theleft thumb of the user, a plurality of buttons adapted to provideinformation regarding a plurality of actions performed on the display,the plurality of actions including running, crouching, jumping andspecial actions and positioned on the right side of the top surface ofthe control device such that the plurality of buttons are easilymanipulated by the right thumb of the user and a coordinate activationbutton adapted to enable input of information from the coordinatecontrol unit while depressed and positioned on a front surface of theconnected end of the control device. Of course, the control unit may beconstructed in a mirror format so that the right and left sides arereversed.

The control device may include a display unit mounted on the controldevice to provide additional image information to a user of the controldevice and/or a feedback unit adapted to provide tactile feedback to auser of the control device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control device according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a particular form of the control device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a particular form of the control device according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a coordinate control unit of a control deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 3A illustrates a coordinate control unit of a control deviceaccording to another embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 4 illustrates a mouse control unit of a control device according toan embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 5 illustrates a control device including a game play control unitaccording to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 5A illustrates a control device including a game play control unitaccording to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of positioning a cursor ona display of a computer system according to an embodiment of the presentapplication.

FIG. 7 illustrates a control device including a game play control unitaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A illustrates a 7 illustrates a control device including a gameplay control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The control device 10 of the present application is particularly wellsuited for use by a player of a first person “shooter” type video game.In such video games, the player typically is presented with a firstperson view of an environment in the video game and is asked to aim atand shoot various targets. The user is commonly provided with acrosshair or other target designation, typically, in the center of thedisplay. The point of view of the user in the game typically moves left,right, up, down, etc. based on the input from the computer mouse,keyboard, etc. to allow the user to aim at various targets in the videogame. Targeting or aiming is typically accomplished by positioning thecrosshair at the desired position, generally using the computer mouse orkeyboard to change the point of view of the user in the video game orotherwise position the crosshair on the display in the video game.Shooting the target is typically accomplished by pressing a dedicatedshoot button. The dedicated shoot button is typically one of the mousebuttons or a key on the keyboard. Similarly, joysticks may also be usedto change the point if view of the user in the game and shooting istypically accomplished by pressing a shoot button, generally on the topof the joystick or on a base of the joystick. A control device that canquickly change the point of view of the user by simply moving thecontrol device provides more intuitive and realistic interaction withthe video game. While the control device of the present disclosure isparticularly well suited for use in such video games, the control deviceis preferably operable with any video game and may be used as a mouse inconventional computer applications as well. In addition, the controldevice of the present disclosure is preferably compatible with videogame systems such as the SONY PLAYSTATION 2®, a registered trademark ofSony Computer Entertainment, Inc. Similarly, the control device may beutilized with other computer simulations and virtual reality systemssuch as those commonly used by law enforcement and military agencies astraining aids.

A control device 10 according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention is described with reference to FIG. 1. A coordinate controlunit 12 is used to input information regarding the desired horizontaland vertical point of view of the user in the video game. Morespecifically, the coordinate control unit 12 may be used to provideinformation related to pitch, the vertical tilt, and yaw, the horizontaltilt, of the control device 10 to indicate the desired horizontal andvertical point of view of the display of the computer system. A mousecontrol unit 14 provides traditional computer mouse input information. Agame play control unit 16 provides additional conventional game playinput information. Controller 18 receives information from thecoordinate control unit 12, mouse control unit 14 and game play controlunit 16 and provides game play information to the computer system. Inthis manner, the control device of the present application includessubstantially all of the functionality required to play today's advancedvideo games.

A preferred shape of the control device is described further withreference to FIG. 2. The control device 10 is preferably shaped as afirearm, that is, the control device 10 includes a hand grip 20positioned below a rear section of a central body 22. A trigger 24extends down from the central body 22 in front of the hand grip 20. Abarrel 26 extends forward from the central body 22. An adjustable foregrip 28 may extend downward from the barrel 26 in front of the trigger.For increased reality, the control device 10 may include a removablestock 29, which can be used to steady the control device 10 against theuser's shoulder. This will increase stability of the control device 10.The control device 10 may also be configured as a pistol, anotherfirearm, a pointer or the like. While a firearm is the desired shape ofthe control device, other shapes may be used, and the invention is notlimited to that shape.

The control device 10 may be shaped as a game pad as illustrated in FIG.2A for example. Such game pads are typically substantially U-shaped. Theuser grasps the device by the free ends 200, 200 a of the U-shape,typically grasping each end with a hand such that the user's finger curlaround the free ends. The free ends 200, 200 a may have a slightdownward angle. The connected end 201 of the U-shape typically includescontrols for point of view, longitudinal and lateral movement andvarious game play buttons.

In one embodiment, the coordinate control unit 12 is integrated with abipod 25 or tripod (not shown) attached to the barrel 26 of the controldevice 10. In an alternative embodiment, a gyroscope device 40 (see FIG.5) similar to that utilized in the gyroscopic control devices describedabove is mounted on the control device 10. In either embodiment, theuser is able to play the video game without the need to point thecontrol device at the display and is not confined to the area of a mousepad or sensor array during game play.

One embodiment of the coordinate control unit 12 is illustrated infurther detail with reference to FIG. 3. As noted above, the coordinatecontrol unit 12 may be incorporated into a bipod 25 attached to thebarrel 26 of the control device 10. Utilizing this embodiment, the userwill preferably mount the bipod 25 on a surface, such as a table, tostabilize the control device.

The coordinate control unit 12 may include a y-axis sensor 30 and anx-axis sensor 31 that detect movement of the barrel in the y-direction,pitch, and in the x-direction, yaw, respectively. More specifically, they-axis sensor 30 and the x-axis sensor 31 determine the tilt of thebarrel 26 in the y-direction and the x-direction, respectively. A firstend of a horizontal shaft 32 may be attached to the barrel 26. A secondend of the horizontal shaft 32 may be connected to an optical encodingdisk 33. As the barrel 26 tilts up and down, the horizontal shaft 32rotates and the optical encoding disk 33 rotates with the horizontalshaft 32. Optical encoders 35 may be mounted on a printed circuit boardin the main body of the y-axis sensor 30. The optical encoders 35determine the tilt of the barrel 26 in the y-direction, that is, up anddown, on the rotation of the encoding wheel 33. Based on the verticaltilt of the barrel 26, the desired vertical point of view of the user inthe video game is determined. Similarly, the desired vertical positionof a cursor on the display may be determined based on the vertical tiltof the barrel 26.

The y-axis sensor 30 is preferably mounted on a top end of a verticalstrut 36. The bottom of the vertical strut 36 may be connected to thex-axis sensor 31. More specifically, the bottom end of the verticalstrut 36 may be is connected to a vertical shaft 37. The vertical shaft37 may be connected to a second optical encoding disk 38. As the barrel26 moves or tilts horizontally, the vertical shaft 37 rotates, in turn,rotating the second optical encoding disk 38. A second set of opticalencoders 39 may be mounted on a printed circuit board of the main bodyof the x-axis sensor 31 to determine the desired horizontal point ofview of the user in the video. The x-axis sensor may be used todetermine the desired horizontal position of a cursor on the display ofthe computer system. In this manner, the coordinate control unit 12provides information regarding the pitch and yaw of the barrel which isthen utilized to determine the desired point of view of the user on thedisplay of the computer system.

Where the control unit is shaped like a game pad, it is unnecessary toimplement the coordinate control unit as a bipod as described above. Asimple stand that incorporates the x-axis sensor 31 and y-axis sensor 30as described above provides a stable platform on which the rest thecontrol device 10 while at the same time acting as the coordinatecontrol unit. In this embodiment, the horizontal shaft 32 is preferablyconnected to the control device 10 on a side surface or bottom surfaceof the connected end 201 or one of the free ends 200, 200A of the gamepad. The stand may be similar in construction to that illustrated inFIG. 3.

An alternative embodiment of the stand is described with reference toFIG. 3A. A u-shape base 300 houses the y-axis sensor 30 and the x-axissensor 31. A connecting strut 301 is connected at its bottom end to thebase 300. The control device 10 is preferably detachably connected tothe top end of the connecting strut 301. As the control device 10 tiltsLIP or down, the connecting strut 301 rotates backward or forward. They-axis sensor 30 determines the vertical tilt of the control devicebased on this rotation in a manner similar to that described above. Asthe control device 10 rotates left and right, the x-axis sensor 31determines the horizontal tilt of the control device in a manner similarto that described above. The base 300 may be fastened to a surface usinga clip or clamp (not shown) to improve its stability if desired. WhileFIG. 3 illustrates a stand used with the fire arm form of the controldevice 10 and FIG. 3A illustrates a stand used with the game pad form ofthe control device, it is noted that both the fire arm form and the gamepad form of the control device may be used with either of the standsillustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A. Alternatively, the connecting strut301 may extend out horizontally from the base 300.

Alternatively, the coordinate control unit 12 may be implemented using agyroscope 40 (see FIG. 5) similar to that proposed in the gyroscopicinput devices discussed above. Similarly, a gyroscope 210 may beincorporated into the control device 10 configured as a game pad asillustrated in FIG. 2A for example. Where gyroscopes are used, the bipod25 or stand is not necessary. In one embodiment, the gyroscope 40, 210such as the solid state gyroscope mounted on a printed circuit board maybe mounted on the control device. As noted previously, gyroscopes havebeen used for many years in the aviation industry to determine pitch andyaw of aircraft. A solid state gyroscope such as that mentioned abovemay be utilized to determine the pitch and yaw of the control device 10in the present application. The operation of gyroscopes is well known inthe art and thus will not be discussed in detail herein. However, abrief discussion of the operation of gyroscopes may be useful inunderstanding the present invention.

Typically, a gyroscope includes a rotating disk, rotating about an axisof rotation and mounted on a frame rotatable on one or two axesperpendicular to the axis of rotation of the disk. The spinning disk maybe a rotating electric motor. The axis of rotation of the motor istypically aligned with the gravity vector. If a force is applied alongthe axis of rotation of the motor, the force is resisted due to theconstant angular momentum of the spinning disk. As a result, the framewill rotate along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of themotor. The rotation of the frame can be monitored. Thus, for example,where a forward tilting force is applied to the gyroscope, a forwardforce is applied to the top of the axis of rotation of the motor, and arearward force is applied to the bottom of the axis of rotation of themotor. The constant angular momentum of the spinning motor opposes theseforces and the shaft of the motor will rotate in a directionperpendicular to the applied force. Since the frame is free to rotatealong the axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the motor, theframe rotates. The direction of this rotation depends on the directionof rotation of the spinning motor. The rotation of the frame isproportional to the tilt of the frame forward. Thus, based on therotation of the frame, it is possible to determine the tilt of thegyroscope. Where the frame is free to rotate about two axesperpendicular to the axis of rotation of the motor, tilting up and downand left and right can be correlated to the rotation of the frame abouteither axis. Alternatively, a second gyroscope that is mounted on aframe free to rotate in another direction perpendicular to the axis ofrotation of the motor may be incorporated to determine tilt in thehorizontal direction. In the present application, solid state gyroscopesare preferably used, which do not typically utilized motors as describedabove, but works on the same principle to provide pitch and/or yawinformation.

Utilizing the solid state gyroscope, for example, mounted on the controldevice 10, the vertical and horizontal tilt of the control device can bedetermined. In this manner, the desired point of view of the user in thevideo game or the desired position of a cursor on the display of thecomputer system can be determined. As noted above, there are presentlyavailable control devices that utilize gyroscopes to determine the pitchand yaw of the device. The gyroscope used in such a device may be usedas the gyroscope of the present invention. The gyroscope 210 cansimilarly be mounted on the control device 10 where the control deviceis a game pad as noted above. In this case, the gyroscope is preferablymounted in or on the connected end 201.

The inclusion of the gyroscope 210 eliminates the need for a bipod orstand as described above. However, it may be preferable to use the standin order to aid stability for the user. In addition, use of the standallows the user to release the control device 10 without altering thepoint of view of the user in the video game. Thus, the user is able totake a break from game play without altering his or her view in thegame.

The mouse control unit 12 preferably provides for functions commonlyprovided by conventional computer mouse and is described with referenceto FIG. 4. In a preferred embodiment, a mouse wheel 41 is mounted on thecentral body 22 of the control device 10, preferably on a side of thecentral body above the trigger 24. A mouse wheel is commonlyincorporated into a conventional computer mouse to allow a user toeasily scroll up or down on the display or through a menu illustrated onthe display. Similarly, the mouse wheel 41 of the present disclosure maybe utilized to allow the user to scroll through a menu in the video gameor any other computer application. Two buttons 42, 43 may be mountedunder the mouse wheel 41. These buttons may function as the left mousebutton 42 and right mouse button 43, commonly incorporated in a computermouse for making selections on menus, selecting text, calling up menusor the like. In a preferred embodiment, the mouse wheel 41, the leftmouse button 42 and right mouse button 43 are positioned above thetrigger 24 such that they can be easily reached and manipulated by afinger of the user that may also be used to pull the trigger or triggers24 of the control device 10. The information related to the vertical andhorizontal tilt of the control device 10 may be utilized to provideinformation regarding the vertical and horizontal position of a cursoron the display such that the control device is capable of performing allthe same functions of a computer mouse.

The mouse control unit 14 may similarly be incorporated into the gamepad embodiment if desired. Preferably, the mouse control unit 14 ismounted on the connected end 201 of the control pad, on the top surfaceand substantially centered. In this embodiment, the left mouse button 42and right mouse button 43 are preferably positioned slightly forward ofthe mouse wheel 40 as seen in FIG. 2A. Alternatively, the mouse controlunit 14 may be positioned on the top surface of the connected end 201 ofthe control pad slightly off center such that the mouse control unit 14is easily operated by a thumb of the user. That is the left mouse button42, right mouse button 43 and mouse wheel 41 may be positioned above thegame play controls 52, 53, 54, 55 (discussed below) for example and maybe easily activated using the same thumb used by the user to activatethe game play controls.

The game play control unit 16 preferably includes game play controls andis illustrated in FIG. 5. Game play controls include controls forinputting information related to other aspects of the video game, forexample, character movement in space in the video game, also referred toas longitudinal and lateral movement. A hat switch 50 and/or adirectional switch 51 are preferably used to control the lateral andlongitudinal movement of a character in the game. While the hat switch50 and the directional switch 51 may both be used to control lateralmovement, they function in a slightly different manner. The hat switch50 typically includes four momentary contact switches with a pad mountedover them. Each momentary contact switch is activated when the userpresses down on the section of the pad that is over the respectivemomentary contact switch. Typically, only one momentary contact switchmay be activated at a time, that is, input from more than one momentarycontact switch is generally ignored. The directional switch 51, however,typically allows input regarding motion in two directions at the sametime. The direction switch 51 preferably includes four independentcontact switches 51 a, 51 b, 51 c, 51 d, generally in a diamond shapedconfiguration. Each of the independent contact switches 51 a, 51 b, 51c, 51 d typically is used to provide for movement in a particulardirection in the video game. Unlike the hat switch 50, users aregenerally able to activate more than one of the contact switches at thesame time. More specifically, most video games will allow for movementin the right and forward direction at the same time, for example. Theresult is diagonal movement in the video game. For example, conventionalvideo games will allow such movement when the keyboard is used as thecontrol device. The independent contact switches 51 a, 51 b, 51 c, 51 dof the directional switch 51 may mimic such control from the keyboard.This allows a user of the video game to move the character forward,backward, left, right and diagonally in space in the video gameenvironment. In addition, where the user uses the hat switch 50 forlongitudinal and lateral movement in the vide game, for example, thedirection switch 51 may be used for other functions which increases theflexibility of the control device 10. Alternatively, where the directionswitch 51 is used longitudinal and lateral movement in the video game,for example, the hat switch 50 may be used for other functions.

In addition, game play controls may include a jump button 52, a runbutton 53, a crouch button 54 and a special action button 55. These gameplay controls may be positioned on a side surface of the hand grip 20 ofthe control device 10 such that they are easily operated by the thumb ofthe user as it wraps around the hand grip (See FIG. 5A). A shoot button56 may also be considered a game play control, and will be explained infurther detail below. Naturally, different games may have different gameplay options, and thus, it is impossible to list all possible game playcontrols, however, the control device of the present application isintended to be compatible with most every video game.

A coordinate activation button 57 is preferably included in the gameplay control unit 16. The activation button 57 activates the input ofinformation from the coordinate control unit 12 while depressed. Thatis, ordinarily the information from the coordinate control unit is notused to control the display of the computer system. In this manner,inadvertent jostling or movement of the control device 10 by the user isnot used to alter the point of view of the user in the video game or theposition of the cursor on the display. The user depresses the activationbutton 57 when they wish to change the point of view or position of thecursor. Generally, this operation is intuitive to the user in that theuser depresses a button when he or she desires to change the display ofthe computer system and otherwise inadvertent movements do not affectthe display of the computer screen. In this manner, a user canreposition the control device for comfort without changing the point ofview of the user in the computer game or the position of the cursor onthe display. Alternatively, the activation button 57 may be used as akill button, that is, the information from the coordinate control unit12 is utilized to control the display normally, unless the kill buttonis depressed. This is slightly less intuitive for a user, however, itsill provides a way for the user to adjust his or her position or gripwithout affecting the display of the computer system when necessary. Inaddition, the activation button 57 may be a lever type switch positionedon the rear or front of the hand grip 20.

The game play control unit 16 may be mounted on the optional fore grip28 of the control device 10 which can be grasped by the user. Thesecontrols are preferably positioned on the fore grip 28 such that theyare under the fingers of a user gripping the fore grip. Morespecifically, the hat switch 50 or directional switch 51 may bepositioned under or adjacent to the thumb of the user, while the otherof the directional or hat switches may be positioned under or adjacentto the fingertips of the user on the hand grip 20. The fore grip 28 ispreferably adjustably attachable to the barrel 26 of the control device10 such that it can be moved forward or backward on the barrel inaccordance with the preference of the user. The activation button 57 maybe positioned on the fore grip as well (See FIG. 5).

Alternatively, the game play control unit 16 may be positioned on thebarrel 26 of the control device. Preferably, the direction switch 51 ispositioned on one face of the barrel such that the contact switches 51a, 51 b, 51 c,51 d are easily activate by the fingers on the usercradling the barrel (See FIG. 7). The hat switch 50 may be positioned onthe opposite face such that it is easily activated by the thumb of theuser (See FIG. 7A).

As noted above the shoot button 56 may generally be considered a gameplay control, however, in a preferred embodiment of the presentapplication, the shoot button is positioned in the trigger 24 of thecontrol device 10. In order to increase the realism of the controldevice 10, it is preferable to mount the shoot button 56 in the trigger24. A second shoot button 56 a may also be positioned in the trigger 24.Such a second button may be useful where a video game provides a userwith two weapons, for example. Alternatively, the trigger 24 itself maybe used as the shoot button 56 or buttons such that pulling back eithertrigger corresponds to firing a primary and/or secondary weapon in thevideo game. In addition, as noted above, a second independent triggermay be included and used as the second shoot button 56 a.

The game play control unit 16 may be positioned on the hand grip 20 ofthe control device 10 such that the controls are easily manipulated bythe user gripping the hand grip (See FIG. 5A). The controls arepreferably positioned on the hand grip 20 such that the buttons 52, 53,54 and 55 are easily manipulated by a thumb of the user. An embodimentsuch as this may be particularly useful where the shape of the controldevice 10 is a pistol and it would be inconvenient to utilize a foregrip.

As noted above, where the control device 10 is shaped like a game pad,the game play control unit 16, is preferably mounted on the top surfaceof the connected end 201 of the game pad and additional game playcontrols may be mounted on the front surface of the connected end,generally called “shoulder” buttons. In a preferred embodiment, a hatswitch 50 or direction switch 51 may be positioned on the left side ofthe connected end 201 within easy reach of a left thumb of the user. Theother game controls, 52, 53, 54 and 55 are preferably positioned on theright side of the connected end 201 within easy reach of a right thumbof the user. Additional game control may be positioned on the frontsurface of the connected end 201 of the game pad. In a preferredembodiment, these game controls include various activity buttonsincluding the shoot button 56 and the coordinate activation button 57,which may be positioned on the right front surface of the connected endsuch that they can be depressed by the right index finger of the user.Similarly additional game controls 202, 203 may be positioned on thefront left surface of the connected end. Further, it is common for gamepads to include two small analog or digital joysticks, 204, 205positioned for easy manipulation by the left and right thumb of theuser, respectively. Typically, either of these joysticks 204, 205 or thehat switch or directional button 50, 51 are utilized to change the pointof view in the video game, however, since that function is performedbased on pitch and yaw information provided by the coordinate controlunit 12, a different function can be assigned to the control traditionalused. Alternatively, one of these controls can be eliminated, althoughit is advantageous to provide many game controls in order to controlmodern video games.

In either the firearm embodiment or the control pad embodiment a levertype button 58 may be included to provide input when pressure isapplied. In the firearm embodiment, the lever type button 58 may bepositioned on the rear of the hand grip 20 such that it can be easilyactivated by the hand of the user gripping the hand grip. The lever typebutton may also be positioned on a front side of the hand grip 20 on thelower portion below the trigger 24. In the game pad embodiment, thelever type button is preferably positioned on one of the free ends201,201 a of the game pad on either the top or bottom surface thereof.The lever type button 58 is preferably utilized as the coordinateactivation button 57. In this case the button 57 described above may beused to control another function.

The controller 18 processes information provided by the coordinatecontrol unit 12, the mouse control unit 14, and the game play controlunit 16 to provide information to the computer system. In a preferredembodiment, the controller 18 is a microprocessor or microchip. Thecontroller 18 may be a microchip similar to that utilized inconventional joysticks. Data provided by the coordinate control unit 12is utilized to provide information to the computer system related to thedesired point of view of the user or desired vertical and horizontalposition of the cursor on the display. Information provided by the mousecontrol unit 14 is utilized to provide information related toconventional mouse functions such as scrolling through and selectinginformation displayed on the display. Information provided by the gameplay control unit 16 is utilized to provide information related toadditional game play options or actions. Using such a controller 18, thecontrol device 10 can be connected to the computer system via a USBport, as is common for conventional joysticks. The control unit 10 ofthe present application is compatible with most commercially availablejoystick microchips. Alternatively, a custom designed microchip maybeutilized as the controller 18.

The control device 10 of the present application may be compatible withconventional joystick or game pad microchips and thus may not requireany special software for operation with the computer system. That is, nospecial drivers may be necessary to integrate the control device withthe computer system. Similarly, the control device of the presentdisclosure is preferably compatible with default software commonlyprovided with conventional computer systems. Of course, software couldbe written specifically for the control device 10 of the presentdisclosure to enable all buttons, meaning that the user may select whatfunction each of the game play controls of the device controls. Thissoftware preferably includes driver software to allow for detection ofthe device by the operating system of the computer system, for examplefor detection by Windows®, a registered trademark of MicrosoftCorporation. In addition, the software preferably includes programmingsoftware to allow the user to program individual controls and to createcustom files for individual games, for example.

While the present disclosure discloses specific locations for thevarious game play controls, it is noted that the game play controls canbe configured in most any way, depending on the desire of the user.

The control device 10 may be connected via a USB cable to a USB port ofthe computer system as mentioned above, or may be connected via awireless or optical link. Both wireless and optical links for computersystems are presently available. In this embodiment, a battery may beprovided to power the control unit 10, such that the control unit can becompletely wireless.

The control device may also include a feedback unit 19 (see FIG. 1A).The feedback unit provides added elements of reality, by providingtactile feedback to the user. For example, the feedback un it may beutilized to cause a vibration in the control device 10 when the firebutton 56 is depressed to simulate the recoil of a firearm. Similarly,the control device may be vibrated to simulate an injury to thecharacter in the video game. Such feedback is commonly available inconventional control devices.

The control device 10 may also include a small display unit 27 (see FIG.2) that replicates or adds to the information provided on the display ofthe computer system. For example, the display unit may act as a heads updisplay or HUD to provide certain information to the user that is moreeasily visible on the display unit than on the display of the computersystem. The display unit may also be utilized to recreate the image onthe display of the computer screen, such that the user need notnecessarily sit in front of the display of the computer screen to playthe game.

A method for controlling a display of a computer system for use with avideo game according to an embodiment of the present disclosure isdescribed with reference to FIG. 6. At step S60 information related tothe vertical and horizontal tilt of the control device is received.Mouse input information is received at step S62. Game play informationis received at step S64. At step S66, the input information related tovertical and horizontal tilt of the control device, the mouse inputinformation and the game play information are processed and gameinformation is provided to the computer system. The coordinateinformation may be utilized to provide information related to a desiredvertical and horizontal point of view of the user in the video game orto indicate a desire vertical and horizontal position of a cursor on adisplay f the computer system.

The method of FIG. 6 is substantially implemented by the control device10 described above and is not discussed in further detail herein.

While the present application discloses specific embodiments of a methodand control device for controlling display of a computer system, itshould be understood that many variations are possible. The presentapplication is intended to extend to all such variations permissibleunder the claims appended hereto.

1. A control device for controlling a display of a computer system foruse with a video game comprising: a coordinate control unit adapted toinput information related to a vertical and a horizontal tilt of thecontrol device; a mouse control unit adapted to input computer mouseinput information; a game play control unit adapted to input game playinformation; and a controller adapted to process input information fromthe coordinate control unit, mouse control unit and game play controlunit to provide game information to the computer system.
 2. The controldevice of claim 1, wherein the control device has a shape substantiallysimilar to a firearm comprising: a central body, a handgrip extendingdownward from a rear section of the central body; a barrel extendinglongitudinally forward from the central body; and a trigger extendingdownward from the central body in front of the handgrip.
 3. The controldevice of claim 2, wherein the coordinate control unit furthercomprises: a y-axis sensor adapted to input information regarding a tiltof the barrel of the control device in a vertical direction; and anx-axis sensor adapted to input information regarding a tilt of thebarrel of the control device in a horizontal direction.
 4. The controldevice of claim 3, wherein the y-axis sensor further comprises: ahorizontal shaft attached to a side of the barrel that rotates as thebarrel is tilted upward and downward; a first optical disk attached tothe horizontal shaft such that the optical disk rotates with thehorizontal shaft; and at least one optical encoder adapted to correlaterotation of the optical disk to vertical tilt of the barrel to provideinformation indicating a desired vertical point of view of a user in thevideo game.
 5. The control device of claim 3, wherein the x-axis sensorfurther comprises: a vertical shaft connected to the y-axis sensor suchthat the vertical shaft rotates as the barrel is tilted left and right;a second optical encoder disk attached to the vertical shaft such thatthe second optical disk rotates with the vertical shaft; and at leastone second optical encoder adapted to correlate the rotation of thesecond optical disk to a horizontal tilt of the barrel to provideinformation indicating a desired horizontal point of view of a user inthe video game.
 6. The control device of claim 1, wherein the coordinatecontrol unit further comprises: at least one gyroscope adapted toprovide information regarding the vertical and horizontal tilt of thecontrol device in order to provide information regarding a desiredvertical and horizontal point of view of the user in the video game. 7.The control device of claim 1, wherein the coordinate control unitfurther comprises: at least one gyroscope adapted to provide informationregarding the vertical and horizontal tilt of the control device inorder to provide information regarding a desired vertical and horizontalposition of a cursor on the display of the computer system.
 8. Thecontrol device of claim 2, wherein the mouse control unit comprises: amouse wheel adapted to provide information to scroll up or down on thedisplay; a left mouse button adapted to provide information regardingselections of a user; and a right mouse button adapted to provideinformation regarding other selections of a user.
 9. The control deviceof claim 8, wherein the mouse wheel, the left mouse button and the rightmouse button are mounted on a side of the central body of the controldevice such that positioning a finger of a user proximate to the triggeroperates the mouse wheel, left mouse button and right mouse button. 10.The control device of claim 2, wherein the game play control unitcomprises: a directional controller adapted to input informationregarding longitudinal and lateral movement in space; a plurality ofbuttons adapted to provide information regarding a plurality of actionsperformed on the display, the plurality of actions including running,crouching, jumping and special actions; and a coordinate activationbutton adapted to enable input of information from the coordinatecontrol unit while depressed.
 11. The control device of claim 10,wherein the plurality of buttons are positioned on the hand grip of thecontrol device such that the plurality of buttons are operable byfingers of the user gripping the hand grip.
 12. The control device ofclaim 11, further comprising: a fore grip, extending down from thebarrel of the weapon, wherein the directional controller is positionedon the fore grip and is operable by a thumb and fingers of a second handof the user gripping the fore grip
 13. The control device of claim 11,wherein the directional controller is positioned on the barrel of thecontrol device.
 14. The control device of claim 12, wherein the gameplay control unit further comprises a shoot button mounted on thetrigger of the control device.
 15. The control device of claim 2,further comprising a removable shoulder stock extending behind thecentral body of the control device and adapted to steady the controldevice against a shoulder of the user.
 16. The control device of claim1, further comprising a display unit mounted on the control device toprovide additional image information to a user of the control device.17. The control device of claim 1, further comprising a feedback unitadapted to provide tactile feedback to a user of the control device. 18.A method for controlling a display of a computer system comprising:receiving information from a coordinate control unit related to avertical and a horizontal tilt of a control device; receiving computermouse input information from a mouse control unit; receiving informationfrom a game play control unit; and providing game information based oninformation received from the coordinate control unit, mouse control unit and game play control unit.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein thecontrol unit has a shape substantially similar to a firearm comprising:a central body; a handgrip extending downward from a rear section of thecentral body; a barrel extending longitudinally forward from the centralbody; and a trigger extending downward from the central body in front ofthe handgrip.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of receivinginformation related to the vertical and horizontal tilt of the controldevice comprises: receiving information regarding a tilt of the barrelrelative to a centered vertical position of the control device from ay-axis sensor; and receiving information regarding a tilt of the barrelrelative to a centered horizontal position from an x-axis sensor. 21.The method of claim 20, wherein the step of receiving information fromthe y-axis sensor further comprises: attaching a horizontal shaft to aside of the barrel that rotates as the barrel is tilted upward anddownward; connecting a first optical disk attached to the horizontalshaft such that the optical disk rotates with the horizontal shaft; andproviding at least one optical encoder adapted to correlate rotation ofthe optical disk to vertical tilt of the barrel to provide informationindicating a desired vertical point of view of a user in the video game.22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of receiving informationfrom the x-axis sensor further comprises: connecting a vertical shaft tothe y-axis sensor such that the vertical shaft rotates as the barrel istilted left and right; connecting a second optical encoder disk attachedto the vertical shaft such that the second optical disk rotates with thevertical shaft; and providing at least one second optical encoderadapted to correlate the rotation of the second optical disk to ahorizontal tilt of the barrel to provide information indicating adesired horizontal point of view of a user in the video game.
 23. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the step receiving information from thecoordinate control unit further comprises: attaching at least onegyroscope to the control device; and receiving information regarding thevertical and horizontal tilt of the control device from the gyroscope inorder to provide information regarding the desired vertical andhorizontal point of view of a user in the video game.
 24. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the step of receiving mouse control informationcomprises: receiving information related to scrolling up and down on thedisplay; receiving information regarding selections of a user from aleft mouse button; and receiving information regarding other selectionsof a user from a right mouse button.
 25. The method of claim 24, whereinthe mouse wheel, the left mouse button and the right mouse button aremounted on a side of the central body of the control device such thatpositioning a finger of a user proximate to the trigger operates themouse wheel, left mouse button and right mouse button.
 26. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the step of receiving information from a game playcontrol unit comprises: receiving input information regardinglongitudinal and lateral movement of a character on the display in spacefrom a direction control unit; receiving information regarding aplurality of actions performed by the character on the display, from aplurality of controls; and receiving activation information from acoordinate activation button to enable input of information from thecoordinate control unit.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein thecontrols are positioned on the hand grip of the control device such thatthe controls are operable by a thumb of the user gripping the handgrip.28. The method of claim 27, wherein the direction control unit ispositioned on a fore grip, extending down from the barrel of the weaponand is operable by a thumb and fingers of a second hand of the usergripping the fore grip.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein theplurality of controls includes a shoot button mounted on the trigger ofthe control device.
 30. The method of claim 19, wherein the controldevice further comprises a removable shoulder stock extending behind thecentral body of the control device and adapted to steady the controldevice against a shoulder of the user.
 31. The method of claim 18,further comprising receiving additional image information to bedisplayed to a user via a display unit.
 32. The method of claim 18,further comprising receiving feedback information for providing tactilefeedback to a user via a feedback unit.
 33. A control device forcontrolling a display of a computer system for use with a video gamecomprising: a coordinate control unit adapted to input informationrelated to a vertical and a horizontal tilt of the control; a mousecontrol unit adapted to input computer mouse input information; a gameplay control unit adapted to input game play information; and acontroller adapted to process input information from the coordinatecontrol unit, mouse control unit and game play control unit to providegame information to the computer system.
 34. The control device of claim33, wherein the control device is substantially unshaped comprising: afirst open end; a second open end; and a connected end connecting thefirst open end and the second open end.
 35. The control device of claim34, wherein the coordinate control unit further comprises: a y-axissensor adapted to input information regarding a tilt of the controldevice in a vertical direction; and an x-axis sensor adapted to inputinformation regarding a tilt of the control device in a horizontaldirection.
 36. The control device of claim 35, wherein the y-axis sensorfurther comprises: a horizontal shaft attached to a side of the controldevice that rotates as the control device is tilted upward and downward;a first optical disk attached to the horizontal shaft such that theoptical disk rotates with the horizontal shaft; and at least one opticalencoder adapted to correlate rotation of the optical disk to verticaltilt of the control device to provide information indicating a desiredvertical point of view of a user in the video game.
 37. The controldevice of claim 36, wherein the x-axis sensor further comprises: avertical shaft connected to the y-axis sensor such that the verticalshaft rotates as the control device is tilted left and right; a secondoptical encoder disk attached to the vertical shaft such that the secondoptical disk rotates with the vertical shaft; and at least one secondoptical encoder adapted to correlate the rotation of the second opticaldisk to a horizontal tilt of the control device to provide informationindicating a desired horizontal point of view of a user in the videogame.
 38. The control device of claim 35, wherein the y-axis sensor andthe x-axis sensor are positioned in a substantially u-shaped base suchthat the y-axis sensor detects rotation of a connecting member extendingvertically from the base to the control device forward and backward todetermine the vertical tilt of the control device and the x-axis sensordetects rotation of the connecting member left and right to determinethe horizontal tilt of the control device.
 39. The control device ofclaim 33, wherein the coordinate control unit further comprises: atleast one gyroscope adapted to provide information regarding thevertical and horizontal tilt of the control device in order to provideinformation regarding a desired vertical and horizontal point of view ofa user in the video game.
 40. The control device of claim 34, whereinthe mouse control unit comprises: a mouse wheel adapted to provideinformation to scroll up or down on the display; a left mouse buttonadapted to provide information regarding selections of a user; and aright mouse button adapted to provide information regarding otherselections of a user.
 41. The control device of claim 40, wherein themouse wheel, the left mouse button and the right mouse button aremounted in a substantially centered position on a top surface of theconnected end of the control device.
 42. The control device of claim 40,wherein the mouse wheel, the left mouse button and the right mousebutton are mounted in an off centered position on a top center of theconnected end of the control device.
 43. The control device of claim 34,wherein the game play control unit comprises: a directional controlleradapted to input information regarding longitudinal and lateral movementin space positioned on the left side of the top surface of the connectedend such that the directional controller is easily manipulated by theleft thumb of the user. a plurality of buttons adapted to provideinformation regarding a plurality of actions performed on the display,the plurality of actions including running, crouching, jumping andselecting weapons and positioned on the right side of the top surface ofthe control device such that the plurality of buttons are easilymanipulated by the right thumb of the user; and a coordinate activationbutton adapted to enable input of information from the coordinatecontrol unit while depressed and positioned on a front surface of theconnected end of the control device.
 44. The control device of claim 33,further comprising a display unit mounted on the control device toprovide additional image information to a user of the control device.45. The control device of claim 33, further comprising a feedback unitadapted to provide tactile feedback to a user of the control device.